69 rear spring install help

[Brad S.]

Any suggestions on installing rear spring on a close to rolling chassis?

[Timothy B.]

Re: 69 rear spring install help

Brad,

Install the center fout bolts so the plate just keeps the spring in close the the rear. Do not tighten these bolts until car weight is on the chassis.

I suggest if you want to bolt the ends you can try a rachet strap to lift the spring so the trailing arm bolt will reach. Keep in mind if there are other rear suspension parts to be installed the spring may work against you so install it after the struts, half shaftsd etc.

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 rear spring install help

Hi Brad,
I believe there are 2 issues in getting the spring in place.
First, some of the body's missing weight must be duplicated.
Second, a means to bring the spring's ends up to the trailing arms must be found that is safe for you and the chassis.
Here's a picture from my 71 and the method I used which is a bit different than Timothy's suggestion.
I used boxes of magazines and packs of roof shingles for the weight.
I used a floor jack held in place on the spring with a block of wood and c-clamp. The bottom of the longer block of wood fit in a pocket in the spring's pad so it couldn't move to the side.
It worked very easily and I just kept adding weight till there was enough for the jack to bring the spring into position.
Be careful and good luck.
Regards,
Alan

[Joseph K.]

Re: 69 rear spring install help

Any suggestions on installing rear spring on a close to rolling chassis?

It's been a while, but I think I used two heavy duty come alongs between the spring and the frame. I also used two c clamps on the spring to prevent sliding. What ever method that you use be very careful.

[Gene M.]

Re: 69 rear spring install help

QUOTE: I used a floor jack held in place on the spring with a block of wood and c-clamp. The bottom of the longer block of wood fit in a pocket in the spring's pad so it couldn't move to the side.
It worked very easily and I just kept adding weight till there was enough for the jack to bring the spring into position.

I use a chain hooked to the frame and the other end to the front axle of the floor jack. This way you don't need to weight down the frame as the jack holds it as the spring is raised by the jack against the wood block.